Since 2010 the partnership between National Rail and Samaritans has been developed to reduce the number of deaths on the railway, and has so far been reported as a success in suicide prevention.

In 2015/16 there were 252 suicides on the railway – 35 fewer deaths than the year before. National Rail and the Samaritans believe that a world leading suicide prevention programme that they now offer to staff, has contributed to this significant 12 per cent reduction. Southport & District Samaritans want to strengthen this relationship at a local level with National Rail, Merseyrail and the British Transport Police, to show the public and the staff involved with the railway, that people care, and that there is someone to talk to. Every suicide leaves a lasting affect on family and friends, as well as rail staff, commuters and the wider community. Southport & District Samaritans hold regular outreach events at Southport train station to reinforce that we are here, within the community, ready to listen if someone wants to reach out.

Charlotte, a Samaritan Listening Volunteer said: “By having a presence alongside the staff from Merseyrail, the British Transport Police, and National Rail at Southport Train Station, we are hoping to spread the message that people really do care about the lives of the people in our community. We always get a really friendly response from members of the public, who will take our leaflets or stop for a chat. Ultimately, we just want to reach as many people as possible, so that if someone feels the need to talk, they know where to find us.”

For emotional support, whatever you're going through, call Samaritans free any time, from any phone on 116 123.

They are here round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it's best to call on the phone. This number is FREE to call. You don't have to be suicidal to call.

You can also email; jo@samaritans.org or visit the Southport branch at 32 Union Street, Southport, PR9 0QE. No appointment is necessary and we are open most days from 9am-9pm, except Tuesdays when the opening hours are 7pm-9pm, Friday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-9pm.

Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week.

The overall number of people with mental health problems has not changed significantly in recent years, but worries about things like money, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to cope. In Sefton there many activities and services that happen in the community every week, that you might not even know about, which could improve your mental health and help make life a little easier.

So, from World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September) to World Mental Health Day (10th October) we are going to spread the word about local services and activities available to people in Sefton. Look out for the hashtag #SeftonInMind and join in by telling us about good local services and activities that have helped you.